Gabriel Brothers

Color Love: ORANGE!

- Mel

The color orange has found its way into my closet in a number of ways — including in this hint-of-sparkle knit turtleneck (that I have to fold down twice so I don’t choke), these faux leather boots and this multi-tiered chain necklace.

For whatever reason, when I get into this color mood, I play matchy-matchy. Not a usual trait of my style, but this outfit feels so Fall, especially on a particularly gloomy, drizzly day when the boyfriend and I traveled Lawrenceville-to-Garfield for some delicious noms at both Tamari and Salt of the Earth (yeah, we’re like the traveling dinner party over here). But, Happy Birthday to the boyfriend and all that gooey stuff.

Bonus: I kinda like blending in with all the pumpkins. Gives me the warm fuzzies. Now, if only there were any pumpkins around…

These boots were super cheap, are totally versatile, and are SUPER COMFY… and are now entering into their fourth season. I’m not sure that they’ll last another winter, but I can’t find another replacement pair like them. Recommendations appreciated!

Top: hand-me-down (from my cousin, by way of my sister)
Jeans: J Brand (awesomely repaired by Denim Therapy)
Boots: CutesyGirl (who I stopped shopping with a couple years ago because of their insane shipping “rules”… I wonder if they’ve come to their senses)
Necklace: Gabriel Brothers (I knotted the chain in the center for a different look)

Wearing the unwearables… MAKE IT SO!

- Mel

That face is one of a woman who is REALLY pissed that her boyfriend packed her camera and tripod doo-hickie. *groan*

iPhone photos it is for a while… we’ll be in the new place by the end of October, so it will be a welcome change of scenery, with many new places to take photos (including my own private patio).

Feeling a little “wild” for a performance of Electra at the Public Theater with some of my fellow Yelpers.

This outfit — consisting of wardrobe items that have spent quite some time in my closet — fit the (play) bill for the theater. That skirt? I owned for nearly four years before FINALLY bringing to the tailor to have it fit properly at my waist.

The result: super comfy style that is fun-meets-classy (yes, I can actually walk 5 blocks in those boots!).

Top: H&M
Skirt: Old Navy
Sweater Shawl (in hand): hand-me-down from my awesome sister (LOVE this cover-up!)
Tights: Gabriel Brothers
Boots: Hmmm… I actually cannot remember. Likely, online (off-brand is “Delicious”)
Necklaces: Claire’s Boutique 

Art Openings: Looking Good! (and scoring the good deals)

- Mel

Some unconventional shots taken during last Friday’s Gallery Crawl (with a couple friends… *snort*). I find it difficult to find the RIGHT outfit for nights out like this that are a combination of happy hour drinks, multiple art openings, one toonseum-rific after party and LOTS of walking. But I think this ensemble fared well with the art crowd for the evening.

My hair, on the other hand, didn’t make it through a night of misty-rainy, windy temperatures (for SERIOUS, stupid umbrella!). But surprisingly my FEET did, courtesy of my $6 shoes from Gabriel Brothers. Yes — SIX DOLLARS. I can’t tell you how excited I was to find these laced, heeled loafers on the clearance rack. I NEVER find cute shoes in my size that are on the shelves long enough to make it to the extreme discounts category. 

These sort of fashions scores complete me.

Speaking of scores, I purchased this cropped jacket at Banana Republic MANY years ago for $9.99. SERIOUSLY. *rubbing it in* It’s the little things — with super-awesome price tags — that make this 30-something happy.

Tank: Old Navy (just bought it; can’t locate it online anymore. Man, they cycle through items fast!)
Jacket: Banana Republic
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Tights: Gabriel Brothers
Shoes: Gabriel Brothers
Necklace (Lionette) & Bracelet (Alkemie): on loan from Spoil Me Fashion 

My first pair of curvy jeans. And a general obsession with denim.

- Mel

Curvy is relative. And having a bottom for the first time at age 34 is quite an accomplishment for this lifelong “straight-and-narrow” lady. I grew two-and-a-half inches in my rear in less than two years (and naturally, had to show off my denimed derby butt in the mirror). This is cause for celebration, natch: a pair of Joe’s Jeans. CURVY FIT.

For me, there’s no greater fashion investment than a pair of well made, great fitted designer jeans. I wear denim a lot; and I justify the cost for something that fits really well by not buying a lot (or any, really) work and office attire. 

Moral of the story: Celebrate your changing body, 30-somethings. Spend money on a good pair of jeans. And it’s never too late to get a great ass. *wink*

Jeans: Joe’s Jeans (purchased at Zipper Blues, Pittsburgh)
Blouse: NY&CO
Bracelets: Gabriel Brothers
Key Necklace: Swarovski (discontinued) 
Shoes: eBay (these are seriously the most comfy — and cheapest — shoes by Kali; and they’ve held up pretty well for the last couple years of downtown walking)
Purse: Zara Terez (on loan from Spoil Me Fashion)